Zim Family

December visits with Parker and a Cow!

2012-01-25T16:07:00.000-05:00

Here are some fun photos from Mid-December! Never a dull moment around here....

Daisy decided she wanted to join Summer for story time one night! Summer was super tickled that her beagle would hop in her bed. I guess it wasn't that exciting to Daisy because she hasn't been back since!

Tucker's first time napping in his crib while I was rotating his clothes around in his closet.

Tucker is sticking his tongue out at his Mom-Mom as he plays on the play mat.

A smile!

My Aunt Rita was in town visiting her grandkids in SC and they came for a visit in GA. Here's Summer playing with Parker.

Tucker in his Elf outfit!

Summer decided to "share" her stuffed animals with Tucker. He wasn't thrilled with Mickey on his face. :)

"It's alright Tucker, I lovey you."

My Little Santa!

Time to meet Santa Cow! Summer with thrilled when our local Chick-fil-a had a meet Santa Cow night!

Summer in her cow elf hat!

Tucker in the cow elf hat!

Daisy's Christmas Letter 2011

2012-01-20T15:23:00.000-05:00

Our Christmas Card and Daisy's Christmas Letter 2011

Happy Holidays!

It's me, Daisy, the Zimmerman family Beagle. I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know about all the exciting things that we have been up to this year.

As usual I spend a lot of time at home with the cat or at my Grandparents house while my family was out doing many fun things. Last January my Mom and Dad went on a cruise to the Southern Caribbean. They had a great time! They stopped at several islands, went zip lining, swam with the dolphins, and found out that Mom was carrying another litter. While they were way Summer and I stayed with our Grandparents in GA.

Before, during, and after their cruise, Mom and Dad were doing a lot of running, to get ready to run a 1/2 marathon (I didn't get to run with them. They thought all my sniffing might slow them down). The 1/2 marathon was in March, it was my Mom's 3rd 13.1 mile run and my Dad's 1st. They are going to run it again in 2012. The day after their run, they drove to Maryland so Dad could work and Mom and Summer could see some friends and family.

It's been fun watching Summer grow over the year, she says so many words and is a sweet, active, bright little girl. She turned 2 this year and Mom and Dad threw her a Mickey Mouse Birthday Party, complete with a Mickey Mouse Bounce house and Mickey shaped sandwiches. Mom and Summer keep VERY busy while Dad is working. They year they went to swim lessons, gymnastics, Mommy and Me, shopping and more. Even with all these things going on, Summer still finds time to smoother me....

In July I got to spend another week with my Grandparents while Mom, Dad, and Summer took at trip to the Midwest. Mom and Summer went to Indiana to spend time with my Dad's side of the family, while my Dad, Uncle Jerry (GUJ) and Cousin Curtis rode their bikes in RAGBRAI (a bike ride across the state of Iowa, 450 miles +).

Once they got back from the Midwest, Mom and Dad were very busy getting ready for their new litter. Summer moved into her big girl room, while her old room got turned into a nursery fit for a little boy.

Mom did great during her pregnancy, in addition to running a 1/2 marathon, she played a lot of tennis and stayed on the go (she never slowed down). When it came time to have her litter, she was pretty relaxed throughout the process, so relaxed that she didn't go to the hospital until she was READY. They arrived at the hospital around 11:45 am and baby Tucker arrived at 12:19pm (slightly over a half hour later). The doctor was impressed to say the least.

Tucker has been a welcomed addition to our family. He has taken a lot of Summer's attention off of me as she is Mommy's Lil Helper. Mom gets to spend some quality time with just Tucker while Summer is in school 2 days a week. Tucker is such a sweet baby boy and Summer is doing great as a big sister. Dad's parents came to visit for a few days when Tucker was born. I am really glad they were here to see him when he was so small. He's only 2 months old but getting so big...I can tell 2012 looks like it is going to be another exciting year!

Wishing Y'all a Merry and Bright holiday season!

Love,

Me (Daisy), Alexander (the cat), Jen, Tom, Summer, and Tucker

Summer's Christmas Program!

2012-01-18T19:26:00.001-05:00

12/13/11

Summer 1st Christmas program!!!

As many of you know Summer goes to preschool 2 days a week at Celebration Academy. I used to teach there and was so excited and sad to send Summer there (I just can't believe she is old enough to go to preschool).

Well the 2 year olds get to sing in the Christmas program and it was super sweet!

Here's the program:

Just look for the very last name under the 2 year olds and you will find Summer Zimmerman!

Mom, Tucker and I waiting for the show to begin!

Melissa and Dad

Unfortunately Tom couldn't' be there because of work travel but Melissa was our expert videographer and we got a great video. Summer loved watching it with her Daddy!

Getting all settled to start singing! Summer is in the middle next to her friend Addison who is also in green.

There she is standing up and just pointing and smiling so big when she spotted us in the audience. It was adorable! I am smiling so big just thinking about it!

Singing and doing the motions!

So proud of herself!!!

Oh...there's another song!! We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Party time! Here's Ms. Mary handing out gifts from her and Ms. Carleen. They were all Mickey themed and are quite the prized possessions around her. Summer ADORES her teachers and I am so glad! "I lovey Ms. Mary and Ms. Carleen."

Unwrapping her gift.

Pops, Aunt Lis and Elf Tucker at the Christmas party.

Snack time!

The parents then had to leave to make parking spots open for the older kids Christmas program. Summer enjoyed a book exchange, games and playtime with her friends for the rest of her Christmas party!

A Mommy and Me Christmas!

2012-01-16T12:48:00.000-05:00

12/12/11

The start to the Christmas party season!

Summer and Tucker came dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus and ready to par-ty!

Here's Summer dancing to Jingle Bells!

Dancing with Mom-Mom!

Who is that at the window?!?
All the kids came running!

It's SANTA!!!!!

"Mama, it's Santa Claus!"

Little Santa Tucker had no idea what was going on!

Sitting patiently for her turn with Santa.

Santa had a book for each chile. Summer then added a Hello Kitty toy to her list! :)

(If you have been following the blog posts you will notice that each time Summer sees Santa she adds an item to her list.)

Ready to open the present from Santa!

An attempt at a group photo! Summer was very happy with her book!

Thanks to Ms. Nancy and Ms. Sue (Mom-Mom, Mom) for all you do for Mommy and Me! This was a great Christmas party and Summer was talking about it for days!

More MD visitors!

2012-01-13T19:06:00.000-05:00

Maryland Visitors

My Aunt Paula, Cousin Sarah and her daughter Maddy came to visit December 8th-12th. It was so great to see them. Sarah, my sister, Melissa and I grew up together practically as sisters so it's hard that we are far apart now, especially since we have kids close in age. Maddy just turned 3 and her and Summer had a blast playing together all weekend.

It is always great to see my Aunt Paula. I love her dearly and I love seeing her and my Mom together. My Mom has 3 siblings and they are all really close.

Last year when Aunt Paula came to visit we got a picture with Santa so this year we did a big group picture! This is where Summer added on the Dora doll. So at this point it was 2 things-Snow White and Dora.

Of course Sarah and Aunt Paula loved meeting Tucker! I am so glad they got to meet him when he was so little. They change so fast.

Dad, Mom, Summer, Tucker, Sarah holding Maddy, Aunt Paula and Me.

Mom and Aunt Paula took their grand kids to Gymboree. Looks like bubble time!

A train ride at the mall!

Double fire truck stroller!

Aunt Paula and Tucker....2 months old.

Sarah and Tucker

Daddy and Tucker

Tucker just looks so much smaller in these pictures. He has changed so much so fast!

My sister and Tucker! Melissa always has the sweetest pictures sleeping with her niece or nephew!

Our Elf, Lolli!

2012-01-11T16:20:00.001-05:00

So Summer's (and Tucker's) Elf decided to make an appearance this year! Our Elf was a well behaved Elf and didn't always hide in a different spot like she should have.

Our Elf also started at as a nameless boy Elf but was quickly turned into a girl Elf named Lolli after a shopping trip to Target.

Read and you will see how Lolli came to be Lolli!

Summer's nameless Elf.

Well, that day we went to Target and I think from a mile away Summer spotted this skirt for her Elf! We brought it home and followed Santa's directions. "Simply place the skirt where your elf can see it. She will slip into it just before heading back to the North Pole for her nightly visit with Santa."

The skirt is all ready for the Elf.

Our Elf got a name-Lollipop or Lolli for short. Lolli brought a note from Santa one night for Summer!

Lolli popped up in all different places! One of my favorites, that I didn't get a picture of, was when she was hanging by a snowflake clothes pin on our Christmas Card holder. She was there for a couple of days and it was amusing to see her hanging by her hat.

The night before Christmas Eve she had a cookie to eat and then on Christmas Eve she went with Santa to help him make toys. We will miss Lolli but look forward to seeing her again after Thanksgiving next year!

Decorating the Trees!

2012-01-08T15:55:00.000-05:00

So here come the Christmas blogs!!

So right after our Thanksgiving company left it was time to get decorating. Our neighborhood really puts the pressure on you. A ton of houses had all their decorations out and trees done before Thanksgiving. This usually doesn't bother me but this year Summer was into wanting her house to have pretty lights and have her Christmas tree up! I really can only handle one holiday at a time so it was after Thanksgiving for us that we got started.

My little Santa helpers! As you can see the tree is completely decorated in this photo. Soon you will see Summer helping me decorate the trees! Summer liked to call herself Mrs. Claus and Tucker, Santa, and they would go to their "workshop" to make toys. She has such an imagination and makes us laugh everyday.

"Merry Christmas"

Tucker is just as amused with Summer as we are!

Here's Summer's tree branch that needed a lot of ornaments on it!

Helping to decorate the tree. Summer and I worked on the tree together while Tucker napped. Tom was traveling but we saved the star for him so when he got home Summer helped him put it on the top. She was concerned all week about the star and when we would put it on the tree.

Summer is all ready to get started. Yes, I put these pictures in the wrong order. Sigh...I really think my brain cells are disappearing with having 2 kids. :)

Tucker had just turned 2 months when the decorating started!

These I put in the right order! Whoo Hooo!

Summer has her own pink tree for her room. Here we are getting everything out from her Christmas boxes. Summer got in the spirit and put on her tutu and Mommy's disco hat! Summer is very concerned that Tucker didn't have a tree in his room. We will be looking for a 4 ft blue tree for him for next year!

Summer got distracted from the decorating when she found some of her Christmas books!

Alexander found a place to rest as we worked.

Ta Da! The finished product! We added more ornaments this year and found a silver tree skirt! Fun!

A Pirate Birthday Party!

2012-01-06T19:00:00.000-05:00

Summer got to got to her friend, Carson's, 3rd Birthday Party! Yes, all of her friends are starting to turn 3!!!

She had a lot of fun dressing up and I even dressed Tucker for the part! This was the beginning of December so look for a bunch of Christmas posts to come! Thanks for hanging in there as I "catch up". Not sure if I will ever be caught up as I was before but hey that's okay! There are always pictures to post and stories to be told! It's the scrapbooking I will never catch up on. :) It's a good thing I will be able to reference this blog.

Thanks again for a great party Carson!

Summer in her pirate gear! This lasted all of 2 minutes but was cute none the less. Summer did keep the necklaces on of course!

The birthday boy was alway on the move...a pirate always has to be in action! This was the best picture I got of sweet Carson at his party.

Tucker and I

I told you he had an outfit that matched the party theme!

The cake was amazing...it looked great and was very yummy!

One more of Tucker in his pirate gear!

Summer's 2 1/2 yr photos and Tuckers 1 month!

2012-01-04T15:33:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of November we did our Family Christmas photos (posted in Merry Christmas). At the same time we had Summer's 2 1/2 year old pictures and Tucker's 1 month photos taken. Well with wanting to save the Christmas ones I completely forgot to post the non Christmas ones. So 2 months later (Tucker sure has changed a lot) here they are:

Enjoy my sweet babies!

(I can just hear Summer saying right now,"I'm not a baby. I'm a Big Sister.")

Merry Christmas 2011!

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

I hope your Christmas is Merry and Bright and filled with special memories with your family!

Many more Christmas blog posts to come.

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Jen, Tom, Summer and Tucker

2011

Our most precious gifts...Summer and Tucker!

A Thankful Thanksgiving!

2011-12-23T19:00:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving was wonderful! It was our first time hosting at our house and Tom did a great job. I am the organizer and Tom is the cook so we work well together. He did 2 turkeys...one smoked on the Big Green Egg and one in the oven (brined the day before). He was a busy chef and everything turned out delicious with plenty for leftovers for days! YUM!!!

It was a Thankful Thanksgiving that started off with Summer and I watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade (recorded so we could fast forward the commercials and any boring parts in case you were wondering how I kept a 2 year old interested). After that we had a big brunch at my parents house and then home to get ready for the Thanksgiving Feast that we had that evening so GAB (Great Aunt Beth) and GUJ(Great Uncle Jerry) could make it!

To think we are about to have more yummy feasts again this weekend with Christmas Eve (Tom) and Christmas Day (my parents) meals!

We are so thankful for these 2 sweet children of ours! Summer 2 1/2 yrs old and Tucker almost 8 weeks old.

Aunt Lis with her little "burrito".

GAB gets to meet Tucker! She had a great time holding Tucker their whole visit. He is such a cuddler that he didn't mind one bit!

Jerry took over carving one of the Turkey's so Tom could focus on some other yummy Thanksgiving item.

Summer with her special place mat.

Summer is ready to eat!

Melissa and Damian

The Chef himself!

Mom and Dad

Tucker hung out in his glider for the meal.

Aunt Beth brought Summer a special gift...big girl nail polish!
Summer had her fingernails and toenails polished!

Thanks for coming to visit GAB and GUJ!

So I just realized these next photos needed to be rotated. Oops! Just turn your head or computer! LOL :)

Meeting Santa Claus!

2011-12-22T14:08:00.000-05:00

Meeting Santa was pretty special....

more below!

Sadie, Leah, Tucker and Summer in their Christmas PJ's all ready to meet Santa!

Summer and Sadie being silly!

Christmas cookie decorating!

Meeting Santa Claus!

Summer loved meeting Santa this year! She happily sat in his lap and let him know that she wants a Snow White doll for Christmas (since then she has added an item every time we have seen Santa at the mall so it's up to Snow White, Dora doll, and a Hello Kitty toy-not a bad list for Santa to keep up with).

Tucker just hung out while we did the photos. Leah and Sadie were visiting so they came to meet Santa as well. Santa comes to our neighborhood and we can make an appointment to see him. The pictures turn out great (thanks Mr. Brett) and it's such a nicer experience then waiting in line at the mall.

Leah was impressed with Santa but however Sadie was not. We even tried hiding Santa but with her not feeling well we weren't able to get her in a picture.

Pops with the sleeping elf!

Getting ready to exchange Christmas gifts with the Sawyers!

Leah gets to hold Tucker again!

I told you Jason came as well! :)

Smiles from Tucker our sweet elf!

The Sawyer Visit

2011-12-19T15:07:00.000-05:00

November 19th- 23rd

Our dear friends, The Sawyer Family, came to visit (and meet Tucker) on their Thanksgiving break from Maryland!

Colleen and I have been friends since high school and Jason and Tom quickly became friends when we got together. Their older daughter, Leah, 7, is my goddaughter and I just love her to pieces. I am sure you remember seeing her (and her family) on the blog before. She has come to stay with us the past 2 summers. Sadie, who just turned 3, is close to Summer's age so it is fun with the girls being almost the same age.

This trip poor Sadie had to go to Urgent Care because she was sick and had a high fever. The poor thing had strep and an ear infection. We made the best of it and the rest of us stayed healthy so it all worked out.

Here's what we were up to:

Colleen was thrilled to meet Tucker who just seemed to love hanging out with "Aunt" Colleen. They were really sweet together.

While Sadie stayed home to rest we took Leah and Summer to the Mall of GA to ride the rides, have lunch and shop at Build a Bear.

Bowling Fun! All of us went bowling on the Sunday they were here. Summer was really fascinated by the ball return machine.

Here's Colleen helping Sadie bowl.

Tucker slept through the whole outing.

Leah and Summer

Tom helped Summer bowl and here they are waiting to see how many pins she is going to knock down!

Leah holding baby Tucker.

Sadie holding baby Tucker.

**We also saw Santa and celebrated Christmas while they were here. That will be the next post.***

Thanks again for coming Colleen, Jason, Leah and Sadie! We love being together!

Pre Thanksgiving Events

2011-12-14T10:55:00.000-05:00

November 2011

End of November was full of fun pre-Thanksgiving events for the Zimmerman family! I am so in the Christmas mode right now but I am determined to get caught up in order as usual! :)

Hope you are taking a minute to enjoy your family in the hustle and bustle of this holiday season!

November was a month of being Thankful and the start of the busy holiday season. I am so thankful for my family everyday. They mean the world to me...immediate and extended family in all ways.

Here's my sweet family at the Thanksgiving Warm-Up dinner here in the neighborhood. The Friday before Thanksgiving our Clubhouse puts on a Thanksgiving Feast for us. It's always very yummy and we have gone every year we have lived here. After is the lighting of the Christmas tree and this year there was a Christmas train ride!

Mom and Dad join us for the yummy warm up feast!

My little turkey! Gobble Gobble!

Tucker slept through most of the dinner!

Nate and Shelby

Jessica and Addison (who didn't feel like smiling)

Janet and Ben

Brad and Tyler

Reunion Hall where the dinner was held.

Choo Choo Train time!

Summer and Mom were right up front on the train ride!

Next up-Thanksgiving Feast at school.

Summer went right up with Ms. Mary to say the blessing before they enjoyed their feast!

Summer with some of her friends-Jackson and Addison. She was one of the few kids with their hats on still. Now she's a sweet little pilgrim!

Summer with Tucker before going to school for her feast. Tucker was a month and half in this picture.

Time out for Turkey! Here's a sleepy boy at our Mommy and Me Thanksgiving feast!

Summer and Tucker with Mom-Mom at Mommy and Me.

Now Summer (with Addison) is a Native American! She has covered all the bases for Thanksgiving...a turkey, pilgrim and Native American.

Another sweet picture of my babies together!

November (non Thanksgiving)

2011-12-07T07:43:00.000-05:00

November Happenings minus Thanksgiving Activities! :)

Hanging out with Daddy! Summer sure has become a Daddy's girl and can do no wrong in his eyes. Summer often says, "I want MY Daddy." They are sweet together!

Of course Tom loves having a little guy around as well. Just the other day Tucker and Tom were watching football and both fell asleep. Now that is some male bonding for you!

Tom's back to more travel and we miss him but we are so grateful for all is his hard work that allows me to stay home with our kids.

We turned our pumpkin into a Turkey! Summer was my helper in this activitiy.

Ta Da, our Turkey

Sweet Tucker! He is my cuddler! I just love it!

Summer's already to play outside! She wanted to wear this hoodie (I haven't gotten her to wear this hat since). My little Fashionista!

Learning about Fall at Mommy and Me!

Tucker typically sleeps through Mommy and Me!

Tucker was laying on our bed while I finished getting ready and Summer joined him. The camera was handy and these as some of the adorable shots I got of both of them. Summer continues to do well with Tucker and loves him so much.

Summer and Jackson at Jackson's 3rd Birthday at the Fire Station #29! Here they are being good listeners during the firemen's presentation. Tom if you are reading this stop here. :) I think it's fair to say that Jackson is Summer's first boyfriend. They are inseperable when togetther and often hug and kiss. The other day at Mommy and Me Summer stuck her cheek out when Jackson was leaving and he kissed it and off he went. Lol It is adorable. They are in Mommy and Me and go to preschool together. He has 2 older sisters that I used to babysit when we first moved here so we have known their family for some time now.

Summer was the first to go up and get a picture with the fireman in his gear.

Jackson and Summer

Summer driving the firetruck.

An attempt at a group kids photo. I think some of the kdis had already run away at this point.

Tucker slept through the party, including the firetruck sirens!

Summer was excited about the cake. Not only because she loves cake but becasuse she got to help make it. My Mom made it and Summer was over when Mom made it so she "helped" make Jackson's cake.

It was yummy!

Tucker's first offical bath in the big tub.

SUmmer found my lipgloss and helped herself. She did pretty good! I will have to be more careful about where I leave them from now on.

Hi Mama! A small little smile!

Tucker was having a rest in his papasan chair so Summer went and go hers from our room to put right next to him. She then read him stories. Priceless!

Nov and Dec Dr's Appointments

2011-12-02T19:43:00.000-05:00

November 1st we had Summer's 2 1/2 year and Tucker's 1 month appointment.

December 1st we had Summer's pink eye appointment and Tucker's 2 month appointment.

Here's the stats on the kiddos:

Summer-May to November

2 year vs 2 1/2 year

Weight 54%tile to 61%tile and weighing in at 29 lbs

Height 70%tile to 88%tile and 37 1/5"

Tucker-November to December

Weight-9 lbs 3.6 oz- 33%tile to 11lbs 9.6 oz-50%tile

Height-21 1/2"-43%tile to 23 1/2"-69%tile

So both of them are growing well! Tucker has especially changed from his first to second months. Have a look:

November Appointment

Weight check!

December Appointment:

Height check-23 1/2"

Weight Check (while being modest)- 11lbs 9.6oz

I got a call from Summer's school about an hour before Tucker's 2 month appointment that Summer had pink eye. Our Dr said just bring her on in. It's in her left eye (right side looking at her). Poor thing. She was happy to see Dr. M again though!

Uh Oh, I have pink eye.

They both were wiped out from their Dr's appointments.

Tucker is 2 months old! 11/30/11

2011-11-30T16:00:00.000-05:00

Tucker is 2 months old today!!!

It's so hard to believe that 2 months has gone by already! My sweet boy has already changed so much. Just compare my last blog (Halloween) to now a month later and you can see all the physical changes. He is so much bigger and yes he has a little double chin. He's a good eater! His hair is getting light (maybe I'll have another blondie?) but his eyes seem to be getting more blue where Summer's stayed that dark gray color for a long time. His little personality is coming through even more too. He is very mild mannered and loves to cuddle with his Mama and I don't mind one bit. Knowing how quick time goes and how quickly my little ones change I know to hold him and cuddle him as much as I can. As I type this the house is a mess with Christmas decorations, laundry and it needs to be vacuumed. Some of which I could have done earlier but instead I cuddled with Tucker and colored with Summer. Spending time with my 2 little ones is one of the most important things to me.

Tucker, as you will see, is also really starting to smile more and it just melts my heart. He is most smiley in the morning and what a great way to start your day with a Tucker smile!

Summer is as amusing as always. Today she tried to share her goldfish snack with Tucker and even got one partly in his mouth. "Him try one Mama? Sharing is caring." That's right Summer sharing is caring but Tucker can't have food yet. "Like cake or apples Mama?" Right Summer!

So sweet!

Well on to other things I must go! Tomorrow Tucker has his 2 month Dr's appointment so I will do an update with his 1 month, 2 month and Summer's 2 1/2 year old Dr's appointment soon!

Happy almost December!

This 2 month old is all SMILES! (Notice the 2 on his vest?)

Wiggle, wiggle! Did I mention that Tucker is holding his head up and trying to roll over? I could have an early mover on my hands. I think he is trying to keep up with his Big Sister!

Tucker and his Puppy! His little feet are ticklish.

One of Tucker's 2 month photos from his photo shoot yesterday. I had some fun adding some effects! :)

Halloween Fun! 10/31/11

2011-11-28T15:43:00.000-05:00

Halloween was so much fun this year! Summer was Minnie Mouse and really go into trick or treating! Tucker was a sweet little pumpkin and was along for the ride...literally...we took the golf cart around the neighborhood and he just slept all warm and cozy in my arms.

Aunt Lis joined us and it worked out great! Tom drove the golf cart, I sat in the front with Tucker and Aunt Lis sat in the back with Summer in her strapped in seat!

Summer would go up to our neighbors and say, "Thank You" or "Trick MY Treat." Very amusing! She was so sweet everyone couldn't resist giving her lots of candy. We really didn't go to that many house and as you will see she ended up with a bucket full. As we were wrapping up our Trick or Treating Summer would say, "One more house, please?" and who can say no to this sweet little Minnie Mouse!

Summer 2 1/2

Tucker 1 month

Summer loved her Minnie gloves! I was glad since they kept her hands warm and kept her from eating candy!

Her first stop-Ms.Nancy and Mr. Ron's house! She was so excited and was ready to stop and eat her candy and go home! She soon learned how much fun it was to keep going!

Daddy and Aunt Lis walking Summer back from a trick or treat stop!

Tucker and I were the warmest of everyone all snuggled in on the golf cart.

Stopping by Mom-Mom and Pops' for some treats! Summer was just helping herself.

Family photo!

Minnie and Mickey Mouse!

Here are all my treats Mama! Summer got some good stuff!

Happy Birthday Tom! 10/31/11

2011-11-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

Tom's Birthday was 10/31/11 and Summer and Tucker got dressed up in some special outfits to celebrate-Purdue gear!!

Summer loved her Cheerleader outfit and Tucker had a Purdue onesie. They both looked so cute and Tom was very surprised!

I took the to have their pictures taken so I could get them framed for his birthday gift. The collage turned out great!

Tom said it was one of his best birthdays! He loved trick or treating with Summer.

The Birthday Purdue collage I framed.

The bottom says, "Go Boilmakers."

Surprising Daddy in their outfits!

A very special card that Summer and Mommy worked on for Daddy!

Before trick or treating we celebrated with pizza and a pumpkin cake.

The night before Mommy took Daddy to Aqua Terra for a birthday dinner!

Halloween night trick or treating photos to come!

Fall Fun Part 2!

2011-11-22T15:26:00.001-05:00

Fall Fun...part 2!

October 27th-31st

I am telling you we were busy in October! Here's some more fun times in the Zimmerman household. You can see the love Summer has for Tucker! She also loved being Minnie Mouse and got to where her costume to school, Mommy and Me and of course for Trick or Treating (Halloween update to follow).

I am starting to catch up!

Halloween shirt time!

Fall Events at Celebration Academy (Summer's Pre-school):
Hayride
Pumpkin Patch
Trick-or Treating
and Party!

The hayride was fun! I got to ride with Summer while Tom took pictures.

Picking the perfect pumpkin!

Discussing the choice of pumpkin with Daddy!

Ms. Mary's class' scarecrow. Summer loves both of her teachers so much...Ms. Mary and Ms. Carleen!

Summer with Ms. Carleen!

Summer with Ms. Mary (and Austin).

Trick or treating at the other classrooms.

Summer and Addison posing for a picture!

Fall Festival Time!

Our neighborhood has an annual Fall Festival with all kinds of activities...pony rides, bounce houses, face painting, yummy food and so much more....

Tucker slept through most of the Fall Festival. We were there from 11-3!

Pony ride time!

Summer is trying to catch the bunnies!

Petting them is so much nicer!

Trying to catch tickets for a prize!

Summer loved having her face painted like a kitten by Twinklez the Clown. Melissa sat with Summer as she had her face painted.

Hello there my Lil' Pumpkin!

Dancing time with Monkey Joe!

Jackson and Summer are such sweet friends to each other!

So sweet! Summer, Tucker and Daddy!

Summer with Hailey at Mommy and Me! Time to celebrate Halloween!

Mommy and Me group shot!

Fall Fun Part 1!

2011-11-16T09:27:00.000-05:00

Fall Fun!

October 18th-25th

We had so much fall fun in October this is part 1! This includes a trip to a pumpkin patch. We decided to try Corn Dawgs this year. We heard that there was lots to do for the little ones and thought we should give it a try. So we didn't make it to Burt's Pumpkin Patch. Corn Dawgs did have lots of kid friendly activities but Burt's is a much better pumpkin patch so we will have to decide next year where we should go to. Maybe both?!? You know I need as many photo opps as possible!

Tucker was 2-3 weeks old during these adventures. Still sleeping lots and being the sweetest baby ever! Summer adores him!

Happy Fall Y'all!

A picture of the cuties together at Corn Dawgs!

Tucker having a rest while Summer enjoys the many many activities at Corn Dawgs!

Summer and Daddy got to ride the Cow Train. It is pulled by a tractor and they had a blast!

Yup, Tucker is still sleeping. :)

I got to take Summer on the hayride while Tom pushed Tucker around and played the "ring" game. Tom's a kid at heart and I love it! He enjoys doing things with the kids so much and it just makes me glow to see him with them!

Summer and I on the hayride!

A CORN box! So fun! Summer liked helping the big kids get buried in the corn. I just had to make sure she wasn't covering their faces. :) She wanted to be super helpful!

Up next the petting farm. Summer just loved this piglet named Niblet. Yes poor Niblet the piglet almost got picked up and was chased all around the pen.

We decided to continue to let Tucker sleep through this photo shoot!

The kids could sit on this tube and rock back and forth!

Pumpkin time!

The best picture we had of both Summer and Tucker! So sweet! Our little pumpkins!

One of Tucker!

Summer driving the hay tractor!

Summer found her perfect pumpkin!

What a fun day!

A morning at the park! Summer stayed on this swing for at least 45 mins when we met up with her MOPS friends at a local park!

Guess what? Tucker slept through the whole playdate at the park! Surprise! Surprise!

I was trying to get a picture of his onesie and yes he is awake! His onesie says "Born in 2011". Cute right?

You can see the onesie a little. Tucker's back asleep and hanging out with Daisy!

Here I am with my 2 sweet kids! Silly Summer and sleeping Tucker!

Hugs from Big Sister Summer

Mom-Mom with her grandkids!

Life is tough...I can't take all the sleeping, eating, peeing and pooping any more!

Summer got a sit and spin from Grandma Susie and Grandpa Max when they came to visit. I swear she doesn't get dizzy at all. Around and around and around she goes! I get dizzy just watching her.

I came upon this picture as I was updating the blog. Tom must of snuck a picture of Tucker and I one night before bed. I must of been pretty tired not to notice. I love these sleepy cuddle times I have with Tucker. They are the best. He is the sweetest baby and I am so glad to have the time to spend with him (while keeping up with a 2 1/2 year old).

AWAKE!

Another awake picture! Here is Tucker discovering himself in a mirror!

Fall Fun Part 2 to come soon!

Grandma Susie and Grandpa Max come to visit!

2011-11-10T08:11:00.000-05:00

October 14th -17th

Grandma Susie and Grandpa Max came to visit for a long weekend when Tucker was just 2 weeks old. We had a great visit. Summer charmed them as usual and was her busy self and they loved meeting their newest grandchild!

Tucker is checking out his Grandpa!

Grandma Susie gets a chance to hold Tucker!

All the visitors wore Tucker out!

Summer loves Tucker's little feet. She says, "look at his cute feet" in this little voice that she uses when she talks to him. It's like when adults use a high pitch voice to talk to babies. It's really sweet. She just loves being a Big Sister!

Tucker's little foot and Summer's big one! I can't believe how big Summer seems to me now. It's hard to believe that she was this little.

Family dinner with both sets of grandparents and Aunt Lis!

Sleeping in Grandma's arms.

Summer, Grandpa Max and Tucker

Summer, Grandma Susie and Tucker

Everyone together! What a nice visit! Hope to see you again real soon!

Newborn Photo Shoot #2

2011-11-06T16:06:00.000-05:00

Here's Tucker's 2nd newborn photo shoot at 6 days old on October 6, 2011.

Ms. Whitney did these photos and they turned out great. She knows all the tricks to working with newborns (and Summer was not present). I am still amazed at Tucker's dark hair and his precious little features. I could stare at him all day!

Enjoy!

www.simplyelegantphotography.com

This one made the birth announcement. It was so hard to choose!

Another on the birth announcement!

This one is on the birth announcement as well and it actually shows his birth weight on the scale!

This one in the brown tint was on the birth announcement!

This was Tucker's thank you card.

This doll bed (above and below) was given to Summer by Tom's Aunt Beth (GAB). It was her mother's. We thought it would be great to get a picture of Tucker on it. I used the picture below for a 2012 calendar!

Newborn Photo Shoot #1!

2011-11-05T15:37:00.000-04:00

So here I am trying to go in order and I forgot to post the Newborn Photo Shoots! :)
This was Tucker's first newborn photo shoot at 5 days old on October 5th with Ms. Debbie- http://www.eclipsephoto.com/

It was a little hectic but somehow Debbie managed to get these great photos and even 2 with Summer in them.

Tucker has already changed so much! It's been a month since this photo shoot. Hard to believe!

One of my favorites!

This one was on his birth announcement in black and white!

This one was also on the birth announcement!

Tucker's 2nd week!

2011-11-03T14:48:00.000-04:00

October 8th-14th

Tucker's 2nd week!

I have decided to go back and go in order for the blog! So you will just have to wait for more Halloween photos, Tom's birthday and Summer's and Tucker's Dr's appointments.I am determined to catch up in order. :)

So Tucker (and Summer) had a great week in the beginning of October. I caught some pictures with his eyes open and Summer had her usual busy week!

He really is the sweetest baby and Summer continues to amuse us all the time with the things she says. This week she was in to asking us questions about Tucker-"Why he cry Mama?", "Why he sleeping?" and so on! Very sweet! She also loves her "Big Sister" shirt with her pink Tutu!

Little Brother Tucker!

Tucker's first breakfast at Papa Jacks. He slept through the whole thing! The owner, Bill, is with Summer and Tucker! Summer has her standard meal there every Saturday morning-eggs, Hoecakes (corn pancakes) and chocolate milk.

Summer showing off her baby brother!

Aunt Lis and Tucker

Me and my sweet baby boy! Ahhh so in love!

Daddy with his kids!

Daddy got Summer a Kazam. It's a scooter with a seat. It's made for toddlers so they can start learning to balance. Summer has go it down (even in her Tutu and sandals) and LOVES it! "When I get bigger I get pedals."

We took Summer to Little Mulberry Park to ride her Kazam. She rode it for a mile and half before wanting to walk or go for a piggy back ride. Along the way she collected these acorns.

Tom worked from home so I was able to take Summer to Mommy and Me. It was Ee day. Here she is dancing with a lot of Energy!

Sitting so nicely with her friends for story time with Ms. Nancy!

Here Summer is with her chair next to Tucker so she can hang out with him. She sometimes accidentally wakes him up. Hmmmm....not sure how accidental it is. She just wants his attention.

It rained the day before (and maybe even the day after) but this is the day Summer wanted to wear her rain boots (not the day before or the day after).

I got her by the stork....if you can remember she wanted nothing to do with a family photo by the stork the week before! She is holding her new "big sister" dolly!

A yummy cookie tree we received from a company Tom works with. Very thoughtful and yummy!

Another sleeping picture!

Tucker at 2 weeks old in his Polo outfit from GAB and GUJ!

Summer and Tucker having a snuggle on Summer's bed! He gets to lay on her bed while we do stories at naptime and sometimes bedtime.

Tom and Tucker coordinate well in their red Polo!

See ya real soon! (Okay I so didn't mean to sound like Mickey Mouse but you know what I mean...lot more updates to come!)

Tucker's 1 month!

2011-10-31T18:00:00.006-04:00

Tucker turned 1 month old yesterday-10/30/11! I took his picture with his Puppy. This is the puppy we made when we found out we were having a boy. It has a shirt on that says "It's a boy" and has his recorded heartbeat in it. For those of you whom have been following the blog for a while you know that I did monthly pictures of Summer with her bunny! The tradition lives on with Tucker! It's so easy at the beginning to get the picture!

I can't believe my sweet baby boy is already a month old!!! He is awake more but still not a lot. Tom thinks he has been asleep at least 18-20 of the first 30 days of his life! He is such a sweet baby and I just love cuddling and holding him. When he is awake he likes to be help by his Mama or look at one of is baby black and white toys. His little smiles make my day and he is just a wonderful addition to our family.

He has his one month appointment on Tuesday so I will update you on all his stats (along with Summer's-she has her 2 1/2 year appointment) at that point.

Tucker at 1 month:

Some of you might also remember Summer's pictures on her quilt to show her growth. Well that quilt was made by my students at Celebration (she still uses and loves it).

So I had my parents, Tom's parents, my sister, Tom's brother and family and Tom, Summer and I pick out fabric to make Tucker a quilt. It turned out pretty big so I am going to use half of it for the pictures.

Tucker's birth announcement!

PS-I know I owe the rest of October and Tucker's 2 newborn photo shoots. Lots more blogging to come! :)

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween and a Happy Birthday!!!

10/31/11

It's Halloween and Tom's Birthday! Summer, Tucker and I have a special surprise for him that I don't want to post about yet because he doesn't know yet! Happy Birthday Daddy!
Here's our Halloween photo shoot! I have to admit this isn't my best scan job but it has been a busy busy weekend and I did while holding a 1 month old and "eating" cake my 2 1/2 year old "baked" for me in her kitchen! :)

Summer is still in love with Minnie Mouse so that was her pick for her costume! She makes a cute Minnie if I do say so myself!
Tucker has 3 costumes but for these photos he's a pumpkin. Summer was a pumpkin (and a flower) for her first Halloween so it only seemed fitting that Tucker would be one for his first. When looking at her Pumpkin photo shoot and looking at his picture it really is amazing how much they look alike!

Tucker was 3 weeks old and Summer almost 2 1/2 for these photos.

Have a great Halloween!
Trick or Treat ?!?!?

Fall Photos:

Tucker's First Week!

2011-10-21T16:31:00.001-04:00

October 2nd-7th

So Tucker's first week flew by! Life with a newborn and a 2 year old sure keeps you on your toes and busy! I love it though!

Summer is doing well as a big sister! Her main resistance is photos...I guess she is used to be the center of attention for all pictures (she did have professional photos taken monthly her first year of life and almost monthly her second). Maybe I created this problem. :)

Tucker is a sleeper! His first week he just slept and slept and slept. Sometimes I would even have to wake him up to feed him. He is such a sweetie and when I can I like to take naps with him.

Here's Tucker's first week and Summer's busy times (as usual):

Summer holding her baby brother!

Such a peanut in his moses bed!

Welcome home Tucker! There were also balloons on our mailbox! Thanks Mom!

Summer and Tom went to get Papa Jack's for us the Sunday after we came home. Bill sent along a T-shirt for Tucker. Summer really wanted Tucker to wear it so I put it on top of him. Some of you may remember that Summer wore her pink Papa Jacks T-shirt as a dress when she was a newborn. That won't be happening for Tucker!

My little Fashionista in her boots, dress with jeans and Juicy Couture sweatshirt!

Summer and Tucker look a lot a like as newborns so far. Of course under his hat is lots of dark hair and Summer had none but their noses and mouths really look a lot alike!

Summer gave Tucker his lovey to sleep with!

Daddy and his kids!

Summer likes to pull her chair up and watch Tucker as he sleeps in his glider.

Tom took Summer to Mommy and Me the Monday after I had Tucker (3 days old).

They had a great time learning about the letter D. D for bring Daddy to Mommy and Me day!

On Tuesday, October 4th Tucker had his first Dr's appointment.

He did great! He weighed in at 7bls and 20". Not sure how he lost an 1/2 inch but you know how wiggly babies can be. The Dr was happy with his weight so we don't have to go back for a weight check! Way to eat Tucker!

A rare peek at those eyes!

While we took Tucker to the Dr's Summer had preschool. She wore her Big Sister shirt and tutu of course. I also sent in some pictures so she could show her teacher and friends her new baby brother. Ms. Mary let us know that at times Summer was sad and when they asked why she said, "I miss baby Tucker." Very sweet! Thursday was her next day of preschool and she was happy and fine! She got over that quick! :)

Pops gets to hold Tucker! As of this picture my Dad still hadn't seen Tucker's eyes!

"Here Tucker you can use my wand."

First bath-Thursday, October 6th!

A bath wakes Tucker right up!

Our attempt at a family photo with the stork!

1 week old! Friday, October 7th

PS-This is from the morning I had Tucker-September 30th. Summer was helping me pick out hats for Tucker for the hospital and decided to wear one. She also said some really cute things while I was having contractions. She told me "to put a band aide on my belly" and she "was sorry for my hurt feelings." You have got to love the ideas and things that 2 year olds say!

September Catch Up

2011-10-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

So before Tucker arrived it was a busy month for Miss Summer! Here is our September catch up!

Here's Summer with her school bag and her school T-shirt!

Summer continues to love school and is doing well! I am so glad she loves her teachers and her friends and she tells me about it!

A picture from my "Sprinkle". Janet, Melissa, Mom, and Jessica threw a little shower for me and Little Guy! I now how BLUE and boy stuff! Thanks to everyone for celebrating in his upcoming arrival!

"Mommy take my picture." This is something I hear quite often!

Summer likes to help me in the kitchen. She has plenty of aprons but of course they are upstairs in the bonus room. I will have to bring one down for next time!

Summer adores her new boots!

38 weeks and counting
9/24/11

Summer's toddler bed in her new room! More pictures to come!

Swim Lessons!

This was Summer's last lesson. She is in Preschool level 1 (no parent in water...yay!).

When Summer starts back in January she will be in Preschool 2! I am so proud of her!

Getting in by herself. She can also get out by herself.

Swimming around.

Summer loves her goggles and putting her face in the water.

Summer and Ms.Janette! Great job sweet girl!

Mommy Me-Open House, A, B & C

2011-10-11T15:20:00.000-04:00

***This post was ready to go for last week but we had an early special delivery of Tucker.**

Mommy and Me has started again!

Summer loves loves loves Mommy and Me with Ms. Nancy! She has really learned the songs, dances away and sits and listens to the story. Ms. Nancy is doing little alphabet books this year and we read each one every night. Summer is also learning her ABC's in school so it's great that her learning is being reinforced all the way around!

Open House-August 29th

Silly Summer!

A is for Apple!

September 12th

B is for Bee

September 19th

C is for Colors (dancing with a colorful ribbon to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow")

My Mom is helping Ms. Nancy this year!

Tucker David Zimmerman has arrived!

2011-10-05T16:46:00.000-04:00

September 30, 2011

Our sweet baby boy has arrived!

Thursday night the 29th I started have contractions. They were 2-3 hours apart and really mild. On Friday I woke up and they got closer and more intense as the morning went on. The contractions still seemed pretty sporadic so I didn't call the Dr's office until 10:30am. When I called they told me to come on in.

I admit I still wasn't in any big rush. Tom put in the car seat and I told him it was fine to take a shower. The contractions did get more intense as we got ready. I had to sit if I had one. They are so PAINFUL. Finally we dropped Summer off around 11:10 and headed on to the Dr's office. My Dr is located right across the street from our hospital. You can literally take a hallway crosswalk to get from the Dr's to the hospital.

We got our parking ticket at 11:37 as the Dr's office was calling to find out where I was.

They took me straight to the back. Normal procedure has the nurse on call for laboring Mom's to monitor contractions for 20 minutes. I got through with one and the Dr on call-Dr. Long came in. She took one look at me and told everyone that I needed to be checked.

This is when we discovered that I was fully dilated and ready to have our baby boy. I still asked for drugs in a panic and was pretty much told that she was going to break my water and I would push and he would be here. At this point I did start to panic and was having trouble breathing through my contractions. They pretty much put me straight in a wheelchair and pushed me to the hospital. At some point I had the clear thought that Tom MUST get our camera. He was none to happy about this I learned later since there was a chance he would miss the birth of our son (You should hear Tom tell this story it is very amusing). Dr.Long told him to be quick and off he went. He noted that it was 12:05.

They didn't admit me. We didn't stop anywhere until we got to the delivery room. Two nurses and Dr. Long undressed me and put me in a gown. I think (I know) I was still in panic mode. The contractions were so painful and I just didn't' know if I could do this.

Tom got back with the camera and I started pushing. Push one did not go well. I screamed and was not breathing. With some reassurance that I could do this I continued and 4 pushes later out came our beautiful baby boy. It was 12:19pm. I did it!!!

Welcome to the world Tucker David Zimmerman!

7lbs 5 oz and 20 1/2 inches long

When we dropped Summer off at my parents house I followed Tom in after having a contraction with my camera. I was supposed to wait in the car but we needed one last pregnancy picture. I was 38 weeks in the picture. Tucker was 8 days early on his own!

I am not big on slimy baby photos so I am sparing you the ones of him being laid on my belly for the first time (plus I look like I am in shock...which I was). Here is Tucker getting weighed!
Tucker came so fast that my family didn't believe Tom when he sent them a picture of Tucker. If you know Tom then you would understand this thought. My sister got the picture and called my Mom who didn't know yet and was getting her hair done. He just came that quick!

The shock is still there but so is my sweet baby boy Tucker!

Bath time in the nursery!

Summer got to share my chocolate cake while Tucker got cleaned up in the nursery. She was a big hit with all the nurses.

When the nurses moved me from Delivery to my room they had a story to share about Tom. After Tucker was born and everyone cleared out an alarm started going off. Tom went to the Nurse's station to let them know. They asked him what room number. He said he didn't know but it was the express room and they knew exactly what room. :) They thought it was amusing that he called it the "express room" and were all proud of me for having Tucker without any drugs.

Summer was first to meet her baby brother. She was smitten and still is. She really wants to move him all on her own. We have to watch how helpful she is being. It's sweet how much she loves him.

I have 2 kids now! A girl and a boy! It's just amazing and I love being a Mommy more then ever. I can't believe Summer was ever this small. It's just amazing!

There's the proud Daddy! Tucker got his middle name from Tom and from my Uncle David. Tucker and Tom have the same initials!

Dada and his kids!

Aunt Lis meets Tucker. Look at his hair! It's a dark brown and he has lots of it! Summer didn't have any and now is a blonde blonde! Other then the hair Tucker looks just like her in the face when we look at her newborn photos. It's really something.

The proud grandparents with their grandkids!

Summer is 2 years 5 months old

Tucker 3 hours

Our Family

My good friend Jessica came that afternoon to meet Tucker! She is one of my best friends and neighbors I have here in GA. She has 2 girls so she is excited to have some baby boy love!

So so so sweet!

Tucker has a puppy dog that I will use for his monthly growth pictures. Here's his first at one day old!

Yes, we left the hospital on Saturday. One day after having Tucker. We were ready to be in our own bed and since I didn't' have any drugs I really have recovered faster. A lot of times you need the epidural to wear off and it can take a day or 2 to be more mobile. We were ready and home we went to start being a family of 4!

The car seat swallows Tucker up! It took a lot of adjusting to get it this small again.

So that's Tucker's delivery and hospital stay! Plenty more to come.

Sigh...life is good! So in love with our newest addition to the family!

Belly Photos! Sept 2011

2011-09-27T09:55:00.001-04:00

Maternity Photo Shoot
September 15, 2011
I am just shy of 37 weeks in these photos and boy do I feel bigger then I was when I was pregnant with my sweet girl! I am 38 weeks now and I am still growing (I think he might be running out of room in there)! Little Guy is ready to come out and meet us all any day now and I can't wait! Although Tom has a couple more days of travel so we all need to wait just a little longer! :)

Summer's Birthday is May 1st and my birthday is May 24th. Tom's is October 31st so I am hoping to keep this Little Guy in until October so they can share a birth month like Summer and I do!

These pictures were fun and so different from our first maternity photo shoot since we had a 2 year old to add in the mix. Amber, who did Summer's 2 year pictures, did these (and she is due Oct 20th, not far behind me).

It's belly time......

www.amberdavenportphotography.com

August 2011

2011-09-19T09:43:00.000-04:00

August 2011

Here are some pictures that I hadn't put on the blog from last month! I am getting pretty caught up though at this point.

Happy Viewing!

This was at Open House at Summer's school. Summer found the Little People and knew she would love it in Ms. Mary's classroom!

Summer's good friend Addison is in her class!

Summer and Ms. Mary! You should hear the way Summer says Ms. Mary. It's the sweetest thing. Mary lives in our neighborhood and Summer loves to point out which house is her teachers.

For Open House they had a Bounce House. Of course the first day we show up Summer wanted to know where the bounce house was!

Strawberry time!

Barrettes and a center part! Summer isn't always cooperative with doing her hair but when she is it so cute!

Summer was playing dress up and decided that Daisy needed to dress up as well. I can't believe Daisy stayed still enough for me to take a picture!

Summer and her dress up choices. I need to get a picture of her when she has on 4 different tutus! It's amusing!

Summer and Daisy were both hiding in the pillows. This time though when I went to get the camera Daisy had run away.

We made it to the pool at least once in August and Summer wanted to wear her sunglasses like Mommy! And yes we still LOVE Minnie Mouse!

Summer hid Daisy in the pillows and was quite proud (the camera was very close by).

Daisy looking...... Help!

Summer looking....silly!

Tennis, Tennis, Tennis!

2011-09-12T09:40:00.000-04:00

So end of August and beginning of September has kicked off some more tennis around our house. I stopped playing in July but Summer has picked it up and Tom has started his men's tennis season.

Tom and I also took one last quick trip before our next baby arrives to New York for some US Open Tennis! It was a great trip. The weather was perfect, tennis fun to watch and I have to admit sleeping in was quite nice as well! :)

Here's my little tennis diva. Summer insisted on wearing a headband with her ponytail after seeing that Mommy was wearing one to keep her hair back.

Summer is ready to hit the courts!

We met up with my friend Jamie and her son Jackson (2 as well) to hit some balls on the court. Jamie is so great. She is an instructor in another area so this was just a have fun with the kids time but she is so positive and encouraging. Summer had a blast. Because of rain we haven't met up again but we will soon.

Andy Roddick at the US Open. We saw him and lots of other top players the nights we were there.

It was actually chiller then we expected so we had to get some US Open long sleeve gear. It was great to be in NY and see this sport in person with my sweet hubby!

We got Summer a US Open tennis bag, new smaller tennis racquet and some quick start tennis balls while in NY. She is quite pleased with her new bag and equipment. She is actually looking as I am typing this and giggling and saying, "Look my tennis bag. Please play tennis Mama?"

I love it! We could be seeing her in NY someday!

So proud! She's just like Mommy and Daddy now!

Since it was raining Tom took her in the basement to hit a few balls. she did good! She may be a lefty like her Daddy.

Summer's frist day of Preschool! 9/6/11

2011-09-06T14:58:00.003-04:00

9/6/11

Summer started preschool today! I can't believe it! She is going to Celebration Academy (literally 3 mins from our house) where I used to teach when we first moved here. She is in the Tues/Thurs 2's class with Miss Mary and Miss Carleen.

Today was her first day and she loved it. Here's all the things she told me:

I play a lot in school. Addison give me lots of hugs.

I eat lunch with Jackson and all my friends.

All my friends and Miss Mary at school.

Summer sing many new songs.

School is nice.

Needless to say I was happy with this full report from Summer. Miss Mary also fills out a daily sheet on Summer's day. Her sheet said:

Today I was: happy

Circle time: I participated.

Play time: I played well with others.

Behavior: I listened nicely.

Lunch Time: I ate most

Notes: Summer bumped her head (didn't phase her but there was an accident report) and Great Day!

I was also happy with this report!

You will also be happy to know that this emotional 35 week pregnant Mama didn't cry. My eyes filled up as I drove off but after some retail therapy (where at every store I had to buy something for Summer so she ended up with 2 new dresses and 3 new books) I was fine!

This is Summer's "cheese smile". I had to have her wear pants because it was raining and in the 60's. Very unusual for this time of year in GA. That's her lunch bag that says "Summer" and she came home with a Celebration school bag today that I am sure I will get pictures of another day!

I love the apple on this dress! Because of the rain Summer could only stand at the top of the porch!

Here I was getting a picture of her name tag (that they keep on their backs).

All unbuckled during the morning carpool. A teacher comes and takes them out of the car when you pull up so it is easier to unbuckle them when you get in line. Summer loved that!

The other Mom's let me stick my camera in real quick to get a picture before we picked them up!

Outside of the school.
What a great first day of preschool! So proud of my sweet Summer Lynn!

Moline, IL

2011-08-31T20:43:00.000-04:00

Here's the rest of our 10 day trip out west! This is from July 29th-31st in Moline, IL.

I had a great time meeting a lot of family on Susie's side (Tom's Mom) that I hadn't met before!

This is the Friday night before the big Reunion night. We went to a welcome dinner at Gary's house after driving for over 7 hours from Ft. Wayne, IN.

Alex and Emily-Uncle Jerry's daughter.

Summer with her Grandma Susie!

Summer got to spend the night with me in the big bed. This was a first so I snapped a picture the next morning. Tom was still on his bike ride.

This is where Summer and I ended up at 10am on Saturday morning. She had been up since 6 and I reasoned that since we are used to Eastern Standard Time that is was really 11 am-a perfectly reasonable time to have ice cream!

We were the first customers of the day! Summer enjoyed her chocolate chip ice cream and I enjoyed my peanut butter brownie cup with marshmellow fluff on top!

Summer had no problems finishing her cone!

Here I am waiting for Tom's team to ride in at the finish line of his ride. It was exciting and I couldn't wait to see him!

Cousin Ruth and her dad Bill were waiting with me. Ruth's brother Curtis also did the ride.

Uncle Bob, Cal and Brooks joined in to see the guys ride in!

Here comes Team Skunk! That's the team that Tom, Uncle Jerry and Cousin Curtis were a part of!

Tom's the one standing up on his bike to the right!

So proud of you Tom!!!! (and Curtis-behind him and Uncle Jerry--to his right).

A tradition at the end of the ride is to dip your bike into the Mississippi River. Before they did that the 3 of them lifted their bikes up!

The actual dipping of the bikes!

The Anderson Family Reunion!

Tom was very happy to see his sweet Summer. He missed us so much and we missed him. It was good to be together again and hear all of his stories!

Summer is spending time with Aunt/Grandma Tinka! She is the sweetest lady. She lent and then gave me her hat (seen earlier) and had books for all the kids. She has made Summer a quilt with a cat on it and is just so kind.

Here are lots of family group pictures. I actually think I could do pretty good listing everyone but with my pregnant tired brain I am going to pass! There were about 60 of us at the Reunion and everyone had a great time!

At this point, you , my faithful readers, should be able to name everyone in this picture! :)

Those not blood related. "outsiders" :)

Cousins

Grandkids

Summer with Gary

Summer with her pal, Timmy

Susan and Paul celebrate 25 years together!

Ready to go back to GA. Allie in one arm (her baby that she named) and Lena the Lion from the Zoo. Love the crazy hair. She did not want her Mama to fix it that morning. The trip home took close to 16 hours....stops and traffic but we made it!

More Indiana!

2011-08-25T13:39:00.000-04:00

Here's the rest of our Indiana Trip! After this we will head to Moline, IL and rejoin Tom after he finished biking across the state of Iowa.

These are some from July 19th-21st.

Summer loved Brooks hat and it was even more amusing when she added her sunglasses!

Grandma Susie and Aunt Beth were great at finding jobs for Summer to help with. Here she is setting the table!

Always busy...building a fort with Brooks!

Playing outside with Cal!

Ice Cream time!

Cal and Summer sitting together on a rock enjoying their ice cream.

On Thursday, July 21st we took a trip to Marion, IN about an hour away. We had lunch at the "Hostess House" and what a neat place it was.

It is about to celebrate it's 100 year anniversary and each room is decorated differently. A really neat place.

Susie, Brooks and Cal

The reason we went to Marion to have lunch was to meet up with Garl and Harriet. Garl is Beth, Susie, and Bob's uncle (their Mom was his sister). I have met Garl and Harriet before and they are just the sweetest. They always send Daisy a return letter from their grand-dogs at Christmas time.

This is Uncle Bob, Garl and Aunt Beth at lunch.

Here is Harriet and Cousin Cathy Jo.

Summer was a very good girl at lunch but did have a little fun with Aunt Beth's glasses!

All of us together and yes now you can see I was on this trip! I am preferring to take the pictures then be in them right now!

Looking at family heritage pictures.

Sweet Hadley! The girls had the best time together. I wanted to put Hadley in my suitcase and bring her home with me so Summer and Hadley could be together more. I really do wish we lived closer to each other.

One last Indiana picture. Up next...Moline, Il.

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo!

2011-08-22T16:56:00.000-04:00

Back to Indiana-The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo!

7/20/11

This is my new all time favorite zoo! It truly is a children's zoo and Summer had a blast! We went with Uncle Joe, Aunt Kelly, Cousin Hadley, Brooks, Cal and Uncle Bob! It was a little overcast and not as hot as some of the other days so it really was nice. We got to feed giraffes, goats, and ducks! There was a Merry Go Round and a Choo Choo train. Summer could see everything from her stroller or the wagon (you know I wasn't' going to be lifting that stroller up for her to see). It was a great day at the Zoo!

Here Summer is feeding a giraffe!! Cal is holding her. Look at that giraffe's tongue!

Thanks to Cal who pushed Summer around for me most of the day!

Hadley in her wagon!

Here's some more pictures of Summer with Cal and Hadley feeding the giraffe. He sure was a hungry guy!

After all that food and his way of saying thank you was sticking his tongue out at me! :)

Hadley's turn!

Brooks

Aunt Kelly with Summer and Hadley

My favorite zoo animal every since I was little has always been the Zebra!

Cal and his new friend!

Cal and Summer touching the snake. To be young and have no fears!

The girls joined together in the wagon that Uncle Joe pulled for us!

A white albino peacock.

Train time-Uncle Bob and Brooks

Joe and Cal

Kelly and Hadley

Summer (with Mommy about to be her riding partner).

Time to feed the ducks!

Brushing and petting the goats!

To feed these goats we had to go outside the fence because they could get aggressive. Well we experienced that first hand when one of the tried to eat Summer's hair. LOL It didn't bother her at all but her Mommy had enough and emptied the food quite quick after that. Summer now likes telling everyone with her sweet giggle that a goat ate her hair!

More Indiana to come....

A look at my Pregnancy....

2011-08-20T15:58:00.000-04:00

8/20/11

So I haven't included many belly pictures this summer since I have always been behind in the blog. So I am taking a break on my Indiana updates to bring the very pregnant Jen! I am now 33 weeks and at my last Doctor's appointment at 32 weeks I was measuring right on track and doing well! Lil' Pumpkin or Little Guy as we call him more often was busy moving away (as he does all the time, especially when I am trying to sleep) at my appointment and his heartbeat was in the 160's for beats per minute.

I feel great and am surviving in this heat. We haven't gone to the pool or hung out outside nearly as much as we normally would but that's okay. I love being pregnant and really don't have many complaints. He moves all the time and the other day had a long case of hiccups. So sweet! I just can't wait to meet him and hold him.

Summer loves to feel her baby brother kick and seems excited to be a big sister. We read books about being a big sister and having a new baby in the house. She really likes the one that says big sisters get to have pizza, grapes and ice cream but new babies only have milk. She has taken to drawing pictures of baby brother (you will see one below). She finally understands that only Mommy has baby brother in her belly and he's not our belly buttons. She would point to our belly buttons, including her own, and say baby brother. She loves to point out babies when we are out and about and seems like she gets it somewhat. She will fully understand in 7 weeks!

Tom is doing great and working on many projects to be ready for our Little Guy. We are moving the guest bedroom to the basement, Summer to her big girl room (the old guest bedroom) and Little Guy will be in the nursery. Whew! Makes me tired just typing about it. We are lucky to have such a handy guy. Not to mention he is traveling a lot so he can make sure he is home more in the Fall when Little Guy gets here on or around October 8th. Thanks for all you do for us!

Most of you know that we do not share our name ideas or in this case the only name we have talked about. We need to get working on that as well. With Summer it was the hardest part of my pregnancy. We didn't even talk names until we found it we were having a boy this time. When he comes we will know for sure and so will you! At least there is some surprise in it since of course I had to know if we were having a boy or a girl.

So here I am ... big and pregnant and loving it!

8/20/11

33 weeks

Summer wanted to join in on the picture fun!

Here's Summer's first drawing of her baby brother. I would say he is going to be colorful and bright!

8/6/11

31 weeks

Indiana Bound-the beginning of our trip!

2011-08-15T09:28:00.001-04:00

July 21st-31st

Tom, Summer and I went on a 10 day trip to Indiana, Iowa and Illinois.

Tom had a week long bike ride across the state of Iowa. Yes you read correctly-a whole week of riding his bike (road bike not a motorcycle) across the state of Iowa-474 miles to be exact!

While Tom was riding his bike with Uncle Jerry and Cousin Curtis Summer and went to Fort Wayne, Indiana to spend time with Aunt Beth (Uncle Jerry's wife), Grandma Susie, Grandpa Max and other relatives you will see soon enough in several blog posts.

Here we go......

Here Summer is having a treat and pretending like she is going to wear those earphones to watch her movie. We soon discovered she didn't like them and very much preferred hearing her movie throughout the car. That meant that Mama and Dada got to hear the movie too!

Summer was a good traveler though. We drove from Hoschton, GA to Indianapolis, IN and it about 9 1/2 hours. Her first of many long car rides to come.

This is the next morning before Tom and Uncle Jerry left to go to Iowa to get ready for their bike ride.

Summer had on her Purdue dress from Grandma Susie. I was saving it for when we were in Indiana. Tom graduated from there and was tickled Summer was wearing it.

On the bloomers are the Purdue trains (boilmakers).

Summer was having fun wearing Dada's hat while he packed up.

Next she was "playing the piano" on the "puter" in our room while I packed us up.

Next stop: Fort Wayne, IN about 1 1/2 hours drive from Indy.

We arrived in Fort Wayne on Friday and were off the next day for Muncie, IN to visit Grandpa Max's brother, Uncle Jack. That was about an hour drive. Summer continued to do well! :)

We met for lunch and Summer was able to peal the crayons, eat grilled cheese, chips and applesauce. It was a fun visit for us all!

We got home and she decided she needed a snack of an orange!

Aunt Beth had some of her baby doll beds refinished for Summer and Cousin Hadley. Summer go hers in June and Beth brought this one for Hadley. Summer liked trying it out for Hadley.

Summer and Cousin Hadley together again! They are the best of friends when they get to be together. It is the sweetest thing. Hadley is now 4 and Summer 2 so they can actually play and talk!

We went to the restaurant where Cousin Greg works to have lunch. Here are Joe (Tom's brother), Kelly and Hadley picking out their food.

It's a build your own stir fry place and was really yummy!

At this restaurant you put your name on a stick and after you have filled your bowl with what you want cooked you put your stick in it and they cook it for you. This way they know who the food belongs to. Summer liked her stick (more then her food I think).

Summer and Hadley at lunch.

Cousin Greg working.

After lunch we went back to Grandma Susie's and Grandpa Max's and Aunt Beth read the girls a story.

Having fun with Uncle Joe! Silly girls!

On Monday Summer and went to Cousin Hadley's house to play. I just love this picture of Hadley!

We had lunch at the mall and the girls were able to ride the Merry Go Round!

Fun times before we left for Indiana!

2011-08-08T19:04:00.000-04:00

2 Birthday Parties and INK (Interactive Neighborhood for Kids)!

July 11th-20th

Summer got to go to her friend, Ben's, 3rd Birthday Party! It was a fireman Playball party and Summer had a blast!

The Hula Hoop Dance!

Firefighter Summer

The Birthday Boy-Ben!

Happy Birthday dear Ben!

Now onto a fun morning at INK. INK stands for Interactive Neighborhood for Kids and boy this neighborhood has everything! Summer had fun with her MOPS (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers) friends exploring all different rooms that represented a community. Here she is shopping away!

There was a music room! It looks like she knows what she is doing!

A big favorite...the choo choo train! She was able to make the whistle sound.

Another favorite was working in the Vet office. She gave all the animals medicine and hugs!

Firetruck fun!

Flying the airplane!

Summer had a great time at INK. I think there are at least 10 other rooms and activities that I didn't list here. It's a fun place!

Addison's Sprayland Birthday party!

Busy, busy running and splashing!

Another fun birthday party! Summer loves birthdays and you can see why! She has fun new adventures and ice cream and cake! :)

The Atlanta Zoo! July 10th

2011-08-02T19:04:00.007-04:00

The Atlanta Zoo-July 10th

So I am sure you have noticed that I am behind in my blog! Tom, Summer and I traveled to the mid-west for 10 days so I pre-published blog posts from events in June and the beginning of July for everyone to see every 3 or 4 days. I have a couple more posts before I get to the trip we just returned from. Hopefully I will be caught up by the end of this month! :)

So on July 10th Tom, Summer and I headed to the Atlanta Zoo. I watched a DVD at our local library and got 2 free adult and 2 free children tickets so we got in for free! Can't beat that!

The weather was reasonable enough and there was plenty of shade so we had a perfect day.

Enjoy!

There were so many different kinds of Monkey's and Summer loved them all!
Daddy was helping Summer see the Panda Bears. This was the one crowded area so I didn't get a good picture of a Panda.

I am pointing out some more Monkey's to Summer.

Tom would often just lift Summer up in her stroller to see the animals. It was easier then getting her in and out and Summer loved it!

Here Tom is feeding the birds. Summer thought this was the funniest thing. She would giggle and say, "Daddy feeding birdie."

Here we are on the choo choo train. Another highlight of Summer's trip to the Zoo.

We saw many turtles throughout the Zoo. So many that when Summer talked about the Zoo she would mainly talk about the turtles (not the monkeys, giraffes, zebras etc.).

The petting Zoo was so much fun. Summer ran from animal to animal saying hello and giving them pets.

Here she is yelling at the goat to "Open your mouth, Open your mouth." She wanted the goat to eat the hay. :)

It was a fantastic day at the Zoo as a family!

Leah comes to GA!

2011-07-29T08:00:00.002-04:00

After visiting Maryland Summer and flew back with Leah to GA. She came to visit for several days and then the rest of the Sawyer family came to visit as well. These are photos from June 27th-July 1st. Last year was the first year Leah came to visit on her own and I am glad we were able to do it again this year. I hope we can continue her special visits as the years go on.

After landing in GA it was time to beat the heat by going to the pool. Summer wanted to wear her goggles like Leah.
Fun in the splash pool!

Leah LOVED the slide and went on it over and over again. Her only breaks were adult swim times.

Leah requested that we go to Waffle House again this year. They were out of hats but the waffles were yummy!

After breakfast at the Waffle House we went with my parents to Stone Mountain for the day!

This was inside an old barn! There were lots of activities for the kids to do and it was air conditioned for this pregnant Mama!

Mom and Dad

We rode the train and got to meet the conductor!

On the train! Summer loved riding the choo choo and Leah was looking for animals. We only saw some squirrels.

We did the "Ride the Ducks" ride. It's the boat that can drive on land. Pretty neat! You also get some duck whistles that were a big hit with the girls (and my Dad)!

Leah got a turn driving the "Duck" while it was a boat!

Summer's turn!

We took the Skyride up to the top of the mountain. The girls found a big puddle so off went their shoes and into the puddle!

Shoes back on and time to explore the top!

Leah running to see the Atlanta skyline. It was a cloudy day so you can't see it as well but if you look closely you can see some of the buildings.

Leah got a visor as a souvenir.
When the rest of the Sawyer Family joined us in GA we went to Mayfield Dairy for the free tour and the yummy ice cream. For all of those who have taken the tour in the past it has changed. The movie doesn't have any cartoon in it any more and you don't get to see them filling the milk jugs. They show you another video in the back. Very hard with 2 two year olds. At least it was free and as always the ice cream is the best!

They do have some "cows" that the girls were able to milk.

The girls enjoyed the rocking chairs as well!

It was a wonderful visit with Leah and then with Colleen, Jason and Sadie! Thanks for coming to GA! Can't wait to see you again!

A BBQ in Maryland!

2011-07-25T15:43:00.003-04:00

Food, friends and family!

Colleen and her husband, Jason, so graciouly hosted a BBQ at their house so my family and our friends could all be together when Summer and I were in Maryland. We often do meals out and meet up with everyone while we are there but with all the little ones it's getting too hectic. A backyard BBQ was perfect! Thanks again Colleen and Jason! Everyone had a great time catching up and seeing how our little ones have changed.

Who came:

The Sawyer Family-Colleen, Jason, Leah and Sadie (their house :))

Ms. Cindy and Mr. Bob-Colleen's parents

My Aunt Rita and Aunt Paula (my Mom's 2 sisters)

Cousin Heather (married to my cousin Matt, Aunt Rita's son) and her 2 girls, Ava and Autumn

Cousin Sarah (Aunt Paula's daughter) and her 2 girls, Alexis and Madelyn

Cousin Katie (Uncle David's daughter-my Mom's brother), her husband Jake and their son Orion

Friend Candice and her daughter Michaela

Friend Erika and her son Mason

Ring Around the Rosie in the pool! Summer, Alexis, Sadie and Leah enjoyed playing this in the 3 foot pool.
Madelyn looking like a superstar in the pool!
Ms. Cindy and Aunt Paula
Sarah, Erika and Mason

Ava, with her sister Autumn right behind her.
Leah
Sadie
Jason
Colleen and Sadie
Orion and Madelyn
Mason

Alexis

Summer, Sadie, Michaela and Madelyn in the sandbox.

Erika, Mason and I.
The family! (Summer was too busy swimming to be in some of these pictures).

Aunt Paula, Jake, Orion, Katie, Aunt Rita, Heather, Autumn, Madelyn, Sarah, Alexis and Ava

Colleen and Jason

My friend Alyssa is due about 2 weeks before me. She wasn't able to come to the BBQ but Colleen and I stopped by to see her on the way to the beach. It was too short but nice to see her all the same. She's having a girl!

On the Boardwalk.....

2011-07-21T08:34:00.001-04:00

Another Ocean City tradition is going to the boardwalk and this year Summer really got to enjoy it! We had Fisher's caramel popcorn, rode the rides, walked the boards and had more ice cream (of course). We were able to meet up with the Cunningham and Glodek families for a little while as well. It's crazy that the 4 of us best friends from high school all know have kids and we are sharing our childhood memories with them. I love it!!

Summer's first ride ever by herself. Usually Mommy or Daddy is standing right with her. They had a carousal just for the little kids and happily she went round and round while I stood and took pictures. When did she get so big and independent?
Sadie loved it as well!
Leah and Summer on the fast boats. Summer loved this one as well. Fearless!!
"Driving" the van with Sadie. Notice Summer is using 2 steering wheels!
Leah and Summer waiting for the choo choo train ride to start.
And off they go!
Bill and Mason and Jessica and Aubrey were also on the train ride with Summer and Leah.
Aubrey loved it!
Ice Cream Time!

The Cunningham Family-Jim, Jessica and Aubrey (almost 1).
Leah, Colleen and Sadie
The Glodek Family-Erika, Bill and Mason ( 1 1/2).
Summer with Aubrey.
Summer with Mason.
All the kids together! Now these are amusing!

Leah, Summer, Aubrey, Mason, and Sadie
Mason and Sadie look like they are flirting and Summer looks like she is wondering what's going on down there! :)

A sweet one of Aubrey (and I think Summer is still looking to see what's going on between Mason and Sadie).

It was great meeting up with everyone on the boardwalk!

An Evening in Ocean City, MD!

2011-07-17T14:57:00.002-04:00

My Mom both last year and this year got the girls matching dresses! Last year we got the cutest picture of them on the couch together. This year they were being silly and the pictures just turned out cute! I did get some great ones of them in their dresses looking out at the bay! A spontaneous moment. Those are the best!

For dinner we went and had crabs at a local crab shack. YUM! We were able to sit outside and the girls could play in the sand and color on the tables. Crabs, sand in your toes and crayons! Life is good!

A pretty impressive pictures Leah drew! Sponge Bob Squarepants!
The bay photo shoot!
So sweet!
One of my favorites!
The "Ice Cream Castle" has a sand castle bucket that you can get with 5 scoops of ice cream, several toppings and a shovel for eating! We didn't get one but maybe another time. 2 adults, 2 two year olds and 1 six year old would have made it hard for sharing. :)

A perfect ending to a yummy filled night! Summer loves ice cream and was really happy that we had it every night for dessert while in Maryland.

Beach, Beach, Beach!!!

2011-07-13T12:38:00.002-04:00

Ocean City bound!

How excited was I to be able to take my sweet girl to the beach again this year! Not just any beach but the beach I grew up going to every year as a kid. Thanks to one of my best friends, Colleen, Summer and I were able to fly in and go to Ocean City, Maryland for 4 days! There will be several posts on this trip. We were in Maryland June 22nd- 27th.

These are all the beach pictures! Just like last year Summer LOVED the beach. She is so her Mommy's girl. This year she was fearless in the water-making her Mama nervous by letting go of her hand and loved building sand castles! We had a great weather and enjoyed wonderful times with the best of friends ever!

Leah, Colleen's oldest, is now 6! She was wonderful with Summer and just an overall great kid!

Colleen with her youngest, Sadie. Sadie is 2 and her and Summer had a typical 2 year old friendship...love/hate! It certainly kept things interesting!
Summer loved watching the boats and the airplanes that went by!

Sand fun!
Here I am! I wasn't really into the whole let's take a picture in my bathing suit while being 6 months pregnant but Colleen did a pretty good job and getting a decent one. She said there had to be at least one of me! :)
Backwards "sand angels".